Episodes
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BPR Full Show 4/7/20: Freeze Dried Stroganoff & Other Quarantine Hacks
Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to ask listeners whether you’re also addicted to the president's daily coronavirus briefings. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek recapped a husband’s tragic bungle of his wife’s virtual triathlon, and weighed in when sports might make their return to the U.S. Carol Rose from the ACLU of Massachusetts spoke on how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting the U.S. court system, and discussed the ongoing debate over whether to release certain prisoners to protect them from COVID-19. Travel writer Christopher Muther discussed whether U.S. airlines deserve the $50 billion bailout they’re asking for, and reviewed some freeze-dried meals to try while you’re social-distancing. CNN’s John King discussed Tuesday’s Wisconsin primaries and why they’re still happening, as well as what we could see in future stimulus packages from Congress. We opened our lines to ask: one month into quarantine, what have you learned you can live without? -
BPR Full Show 4/6/20: The Queen's Speech & The Fight At Home
Today on Boston Public Radio: Dr. Vanessa Kerry, founder and CEO of Seed Global Health, talked about the week ahead in the COVID-19 crisis, and took questions from callers. WGBH News analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott discussed Sunday’s coronavirus address from Queen Elizabeth II, and news of a Russian doctor who was detained for criticizing the Kremlin’s COVID-19 response. TV expert Bob Thompson weighed ethical concerns surrounding CNN anchor Chris Cuomo’s interviews with his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and talked about the launch of the short-form streaming service Quibi. Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich discussed his latest book, titled “The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It.” We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the role and value of socialism, and whether it’s been elevated in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Poet Richard Blanco joined us for a social distancing-themed edition of "The Village Voice." -
BPR Full Show 4/3/20: Friday, I'm Inside
Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to talk with listeners about the financial strains brought by the coronavirus pandemic. Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed how weak or nonexistent internet access is exacerbating the COVID-19 crisis for low-income Americans, and reviewed medical tech for those looking to monitor their health from home. *Beat the Press *host Emily Rooney talked about the Patriots plane that brought medical supplies to Massachusetts from China, and recent sexual assault allegations made against Joe Biden. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed the toll that COVID-19 is taking on the food and restaurant industry, and the resurgence of Americans raising chickens. Media maven Sue O’Connell criticized Jared Kushner’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, and drew parallels between our current situation and the AIDS crisis. *Under the Radar *host Callie Crossley discussed misinformation about coronavirus on Fox News, and technology that companies are using to spy on employees working from home. We re-opened our lines to callers to continue the coronavirus conversation. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference. -
Corby Kummer: The Restaurateur Dilemma During Coronavirus
Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio *on Friday about whether the restaurant industry will survive the coronavirus crisis. "I've been talking this week to a lot of restaurateurs to - most of them are saying they have so little operating capital left, even if they've tried to stay open to do takeout or help feed front line health workers." Restaurant owners have had to make tough choices whether to remain opened or closed during this time, Kummer added. "The ones who are heroically staying open - all their legal advice is 'Do not stay open, it's going to be less complicated to reopen if you're shut down tight,'" he said. "All of the legal liability is much easier and less complicated if restaurants have shut down, so what a choice these restaurant owners have been facing." *Kummer is a *senior editor at The Atlantic*, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy. -
BPR Full Show 4/2/20: Anthony Fauci, Superhero
Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed Florida’s bungled response to the coronavirus outbreak, and the death threats being made against Dr. Anthony Fauci. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse called in to discuss the 15 COVID-19-related deaths at a state-run veteran’s home in his city. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about how you’re dealing with the grimness of the coronavirus pandemic. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral talked about the gun industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and debate in federal courts over whether to release detained migrants to protect them from the coronavirus. Dr. Gary Gottlieb, former CEO of Partners Healthcare and Partners in Health, discussed his recent Boston Globe piece on how healthcare systems need to adapt to handle the stress brought by COVID-19. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the coronavirus. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Thursday press conference. Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam discussed his latest book, “Broken Glass: Mies Van Der Rohe, Edith Farnsworth, and the Fight Over a Modernist Masterpiece.” -
BPR Full Show 4/1/20: Mask or No Mask?
Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask callers: are you donning a facial mask to slow the spread of the coronavirus? MIT economist Jon Gruber broke down how the recently passed stimulus bill will impact everyday Americans, and discussed what he hopes to see in any future aid packages. CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem discussed gun stores being deemed “essential” during the coronavirus pandemic, and how authorities around the world are enforcing stay-at-home policies. Medical ethicist Art Caplan answered questions about COVID-19 symptoms, and discussed why it’s important that hospitals plan for what to do if they can't keep up with demands for care. Dr. Katherine Dallow, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Strategy at Blue Cross Blue Shield, discussed what we currently understand about the coronavirus, and answered questions from callers. Ali Noorani, Executive Director for the National Immigration Forum, discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting immigrant communities and the U.S. immigration system. -
BPR Full Show 3/31/20: The Climate Fight Continues
Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask listeners: how long can do you think you can self-quarantine? Legendary actor Alan Alda discussed his “Clear+Vivid” podcast, where he recently interviewed frequent BPR contributor Sy Montgomery. Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung discussed the unique challenges facing Boston’s undocumented immigrants amid coronavirus, and the latest on how the pandemic is affecting local small businesses. Journalist Laura Sullivan discussed "Plastic Wars,” the latest Frontline film on plastic waste and the failures of the global recycling system. Heather Goldstone, Chief Communications officer at the Woods Hole Research Center, discussed the parallels between coronavirus and the climate crisis, and whether we ought to put our conservation efforts on hold while we focus on the pandemic. CNN’s John King discussed the government’s ongoing pandemic response, and the latest on the 2020 presidential race. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed the postponed 2020 Olympics and the joys of watching marble racing. -
BPR Full Show 3/30/20: Elizabeth Warren Calls In
Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and who you trust to provide accurate information during confusing times. Writer and physician Dr. David Katz talked about his recent New York Times piece calling for a "surgical strike” approach to limiting fallout from COVID-19. WGBH News Analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott discussed how countries around the world are handling coronavirus, and the importance of maintaining strong local journalism. Washington Post columnist EJ Dionne discussed his latest book “Code Red: How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save Our Country.” We opened our lines to talk with callers about coronavirus. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Monday press conference. Sen. Elizabeth Warren called in to discuss Congress’ newly passed stimulus package, and assessed Trump Administration's COVID-19 response. -
BPR Full Show 3/27/20: God Bless the Grocery Clerks
Today on Boston Public Radio: We aired live audio of Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference. Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory discussed how the paper is adapting to cover the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Clayton Dalton, an ER doctor at MGH and writer for publications like the New Yorker, discussed the challenges hospitals are preparing to face as COVID-19 cases begin to spike. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed how the pandemic is impacting the food service industry, and touted the role that grocery store clerks are playing in the current pandemic. Rep. Steve Lynch called in to talk about the emergency stimulus bill before the House on Friday. Tech writer Andy Ihnatko offered some tricks of the trade for video chatting, and discussed how social media companies are handling misinformation on COVID-19. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen discussed the how local art institutions are keeping programs alive, by moving online. We opened our lines to ask: is your weekend still a weekend while you’re quarantined at home? -
Coronavirus Pandemic Generates Revival Of 'Victory Gardens,' Says Corby Kummer
Food writer Corby Kummer spoke with Boston Public Radio *on Friday about the revival of 'victory gardens' during the coronavirus crisis. "Victory gardens in World War I and especially in World War II were promoted as ways to keep reserves from farms for fighting troops," he said. "And if you, the consumer, grew your own produce, you would be self-sufficient and allow the country's farmers' produce to be bought by the military and used for the war effort." Food supply anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic has caused a demand for personal gardens, Kummer noted. "Now 'victory gardens' are being revived to feed people," he said. "Even though the idea of self-sufficiency is very appealing, I would much rather be helping farmers trying to stay in business." *Kummer is a *senior editor at The Atlantic*, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.
